Rugby News

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder criticised his defence after his side made hard work of beating Aviva Premiership strugglers Newcastle 39-31 at Franklin’s Gardens.

Sam Burgess has spoken to Sky Sports about the debate around his England future as well as his preferred position in union.

Scarlets beat Ospreys 22-10 in a fiery PRO12 encounter at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

Jake White's first game in charge of Montpellier ended in a win over Toulon, while Stade Francais hung on to top spot as all the home teams won in Saturday's Top 14 fixtures.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall heaped praise on Billy Vunipola after his man-of-the-match display in the 22-6 victory over London Irish at Allianz Park.

Leinster head coach Matt O'Connor insisted he is not bothered by his team's critics after watching his side ease to a 24-11 win over Ulster in the Guinness PRO12.

Treviso beat Zebre for the second time in as many weeks as they edged the return PRO12 Italian derby 17-15 on Saturday.

Saracens ground out a 22-6 victory over London Irish at a wet and windy Allianz Park to stay in touch with Aviva Premiership pace-setters Northampton and Bath.

Leinster fly-half Ian Madigan accounted for 19 points and outshone international rival Paddy Jackson as his side defeated rivals Ulster 24-11 in the Guinness PRO12.